Sign-In
Cart
War or Peace? Tough Choices with Consequences - A History for Young People
Paperback
Series: History's Moments of Truth for Kids and Teens
Currently unavailable to order
Please enter your email and a message will be sent to you when this product becomes available on our website.
Publisher: Stratostream LLC
Published: May 12 2026
Pages: 120
Weight: 0.76
Height: 0.31 Width: 8.00 Depth: 10.00
Language: English
Welcome to a collection of gripping stories behind some of history's most difficult war or peace decisions - adapted for teens and kids. This is not a book of battles for boys. The 'History's Moments of Truth' series focuses on the lessons of history with an emphasis on the values and principles that have guided decision-making over centuries. The goal of the series is character building and ethical education for our kids. War or Peace? Tough Choices with Consequences delivers clear ethical lessons that have emerged from war after war, from antiquity through the 20th century. It also prompts our kids to practice strategic thinking, analyzing which decisions were right, which decisions were wrong, and why.
Ethical choice, strategy, and leadership are the three most important themes of this book. We look at conflicts ranging from the wars of defense and liberation, to wars of greed and imperial overreach. We go back to St. Augustine's Theory of Just War, and seek to understand the ethics (or none!) behind a list of war-or-peace decisions. Why is it a bad idea to humiliate a defeated enemy? Why is it that when the generals order Fight to the death! No retreat! and Give no quarter! - they lose battles? Why did Sun Tsu say, Build for your enemy a golden bridge to retreat across? Kids and teens who face conflict in their circle, who are flexing their leadership muscle for the first time, or who are wondering about the choices of today's politicians, should stop whatever they are doing and grab this book! Let's have our kids learn the lessons of history which many of our leaders seem to have totally missed! Perhaps we'll see fewer wars in our future.
Many kids and teens enjoy history books, but when reading war and battle descriptions they will often skip pages, wondering how does it end? Young people are most interested in stories of personal experiences and character evolution leading to choices that yield either victory or defeat. Whether it's a war fueled by greed, or arrogance, or miscalculation, or patriotism, or self-defense - a young mind seeks to connect causes with consequences and extract a lesson. That is what this book provides - examples of strategic decision-making and leadership, with a good dose of human interest, presented through a story-based narrative full of twists, turns, occasional cliff-hangers, and humor.
Important: Even though this book is about wars, it does not include the portrayal of anything gruesome or disturbing. Our focus is on choices and decisions, not on the many forms of violence and suffering common in military conflicts. This book presents only historical facts and reports (no fictionalization) and stays firmly on track with kid-appropriate, family-friendly content.
The book chapters are short, its pages are sprinkled with illustrations and photos of historical artifacts - perfect for reluctant readers. The stories in this book are arranged in chronological order, showing a clear course of history. We also offer paragraph-long definitions of concepts useful in understanding the events we describe. These include political science and military terms, historical customs and symbols, word origins and meanings, and interesting facts. Among them:
wars of choice vs wars of necessity, geopolitics, bread and circuses, romanization, political puppets, protectorates, to rally 'round the flag, patriotism vs nationalism, police state, strategic victory vs tactical victory, Roman triumphs and ovations, why Rome doesn't pay traitors, Friday the 13th, the Oriflamme... How and why republics and democracies collapse... Who wages more wars - democracies or dictatorships?...and more!
Also from
Fet, Catherine
Ancient Greece for Kids Through the Lives of its Philosophers, Lawmakers, and Heroes
Fet, Catherine
Paperback
Wait, That Really Happened? - History's Oops Moments - for Kids
Fet, Catherine
Valgenti, Mia
Paperback
Handmade History: World History through Folk Arts and Crafts - for Young People
Fet, Catherine
Paperback
Also in
Young Adult Nonfiction
Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts
Sandford, Maggie Ryan
Hardcover
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Stress Free: Adult Coloring Book with 31 Designs Flowers, Mandalas & Nature Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound Gift for A
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Calm (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Learn, Practice, and Improve
Briggs, Missy
Paperback
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Gray Smith, Monique
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Paperback
GED Test Prep Plus, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 60+ Online Videos
Kaplan Test Prep
Van Slyke, Caren
Paperback
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
Stevenson, Bryan
Paperback
GED Test Prep, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 40+ Online Videos
Van Slyke, Caren
Kaplan Test Prep
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Forest (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice: A Teen Girl's Guide to Unlearning the Rules
Walker, Meredith
Paperback
Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Whitehead, Cindy
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Ocean Treasures (13 Images to Sticker)
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Stealing Saint Nick: A Legendary Corpse, a Notorious Theft, and the Stories That Shape the World
Anderson, M. T.
Hardcover
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
Yousafzai, Malala
Paperback
The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook: 60 Simple Step-By-Step Recipes
Schotland, Marlynn Jayme
Paperback
Color & Frame - Ocean Treasures (Adult Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers)
Noah, Trevor
Paperback
Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Combs, Alex L.
Eakett, Andrew
Paperback
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning
Reynolds, Jason
Kendi, Ibram X.
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Mindfulness (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
SAT Study Guide Premium, 2027: 3 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice and Video Lessons
Stewart, Brian W., M. Ed
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in One Big Fat Notebook
Wang, Jason
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform
Shiloh, Michael
Banzi, Massimo
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Hardcover
I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond
Burkholder, Steve
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Flowers (28 Images to Sticker)
New Seasons
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Biology in One Big Fat Notebook
Brown, Matthew
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook
Needham, Christy
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Big Fat High School Algebra 1 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 1 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
ACT Study Guide Premium, 2026: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice for the New Enhanced ACT
Stewart, Brian, M. Ed
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number: Butterflies - Stress-Free Adult Coloring Book with Tear-Out Pages Relaxing Activity for Paint by Number Lovers Gift for
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
Paperback
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Teens: Reduce Anxiety, Increase Focus, and Spark Creativity
Rockridge Press
Paperback
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Faa-H-8083-25c
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Paperback
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation
Rosenstock, Barb
Hardcover
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
Alifirenka, Caitlin
Ganda, Martin
Paperback
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money--That You Don't Learn in School!
Kiyosaki, Robert T.
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Swanson, Jennifer
Paperback
The Real Rosalind: The Truth about Rosalind Franklin's DNA Discovery and How It Was Erased
Dunn, Debbie Loren
Fox, Janet
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: A cursive writing practice workbook for young adults and teens
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Hippidoo
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Garden (28 Images to Sticker)
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for Gender Equity Through the World's Most Popular Game
Shojaei, Maryam
Hardcover
Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History in One Big Fat Notebook, 2nd Edition: The Complete Middle School Study Guide
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Smile Every Day
New Seasons
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
An Astonishing Circle: The Discovery and Denial of the Circulatory System
Parrott-Ryan, Maria
Paperback
A Tale of a Service Animal: A Heartwarming Tale of Disability Awareness, Friendship, and Kindness (Large Print Edition)
DiVietri, Melissa A.
Paperback
How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance
Chatzky, Jean
Tuggle, Kathryn
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Paperback
Neurodiversity for Teen Girls: Shine Bright as You Embrace Your Brain, Your Emotions, and Your Life
Roberts, Jamie D.
Paperback
Small Victories: A Coloring Book of Little Wins and Miniature Masterpieces
Basford, Johanna
Paperback
The Big Fat High School Algebra 2 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 2 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Case for Christ Student Edition: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Personal Finance Doodle Notes: Brain Based Interactive Guided Notes
Danziger, Brigid
Giraffe, Math
Paperback
Color & Frame - Country Gardens (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
99 Things to Do Before You Finish High School (Revised and Updated)
Stalder, Erika
Villas, Evan
Jenkins, Steven
Paperback
Master Guide to Drawing Anime: How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates - A How to Draw Anime / Manga Step by Step Book Series
Hart, Christopher
Paperback
My First Complete Learning Library: Boxset of 20 Board Books Gift Set for Kids
Wonder House Books
Hardcover
Crochet for Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions and Patterns
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds
Hirsch, Rebecca E.
Paperback
The Audhd Teen Survival Guide: Develop Self-Knowledge, Confidence, and Thrive as an Audhder!
Ali, Sonia
Paperback
Integers and Order of Operations Math Workbook 6th to 8th Grade: Middle School Integers Workbook, PEMDAS
Publishing, Mathflare
Paperback
So, It's Your First Job: A Quick-Ish Guide to Navigating the Working World
Orozco-Onyskin, Mari
Paperback
Lana del Rey: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of the Timeless Indie-Pop Icon
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
Niv, Bible for Teens, Thinline Edition, Leathersoft, Blue, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print
Zondervan
Hardcover
Brain Games - Color by Number - Large Print: Patterns (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Graduation Guidebook: What Every Student Needs to Know About Money and Life
Nermoe, Kathryn
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 8th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
Color & Frame - 3 Books in 1 - Animals, Seasons, Inspiration (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
72 Prácticas Estoicas: Guía práctica de estoicismo para pensar con claridad y sufrir menos
Guerrero, Moisés
Paperback
The Ultimate Activity Book for Teens: Crosswords, Cryptograms, Trivia, and More!
Deneen, Valerie
Paperback
Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures
Gibson, Karen Bush
Paperback
The Case for Faith Student Edition: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports
Horne, Moses
Horne, Troy
Paperback
A 5 Is Against the Law: Social Boundaries - a Compassionate but Honest Guide for Teens and Young Adults
Dunn Buron, Kari
Paperback
Rebel Girls Make Dessert: Kid-Tested Recipes You Can Make, Bake, and Share!
Rebel Girls Inc
Paperback
101 Lessons from the Dugout: What Baseball and Softball Can Teach Us about the Game of Life
Rotbart, Harley A.
Davidoff, Ken
Paperback
Preteen Devotional for Girls: 52 Weeks of Encouraging Devotions and Scripture for Tweens
Rust, Brittany
Paperback
Instant Pot Favorites: Fast, Fresh and Foolproof Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker
Publications International Ltd
Hardcover
The Easy Drawing Book for Teens: 20 Step-By-Step Projects to Improve Your Drawing Skills
Rizza, Angela
Paperback
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration
Nimura, Tamiko
Abe, Frank
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Garden (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback